This movie is not far behind "Patton" as a standout in the genre of biographical films. The performances are remarkable and the tracing of a life from rural Kentucky to the bight lights and glitter of Nashville is masterfully told here.
Cissy Spacek shows remarkable range coming forward from her days as the tormented teen in "Carrie" to the star of the Grand Ole Opry.
The most surprising turn, though, is that of Levon Helm as Loretta Lynn's father, Ted Webb. For the uninitiated, prior to being cast in this role, Helm spent his time as the drummer and vocalist for the rock band self-confident enough to call itself, simply, "The Band." Perhaps while working with Martin Scorsese on the documentary about The Band, "The Last Waltz," Helm was bitten by the acting bug. Whatever the cause, his understated, earthy portrayal of Loretta's earnest, simple, honest, hard-working father was brilliant.
Tommy Lee Jones also excels in the role of Doolittle "Mooney" Lynn. He takes the 13-year old Loretta from her family and proves to be the relentless force propelling her to stardom, while at the same time he fights his own demons. He's determined not to get stuck in the mines like Ted Webb, but learns to his surprise that Loretta is his ticket out. Despite his penchant for booze and womanizing, Loretta does not cast Doo aside when she reaches the stage at the Grnad Ole Opry. She no longer needs him, but she remains as loyal to him as she does to her humble origins.
I'm not a fan of country music in general or Loretta Lynn in particular, but this was an entertaining look at a very different world than most of us are accustomed to.
Cissy Spacek shows remarkable range coming forward from her days as the tormented teen in "Carrie" to the star of the Grand Ole Opry.
The most surprising turn, though, is that of Levon Helm as Loretta Lynn's father, Ted Webb. For the uninitiated, prior to being cast in this role, Helm spent his time as the drummer and vocalist for the rock band self-confident enough to call itself, simply, "The Band." Perhaps while working with Martin Scorsese on the documentary about The Band, "The Last Waltz," Helm was bitten by the acting bug. Whatever the cause, his understated, earthy portrayal of Loretta's earnest, simple, honest, hard-working father was brilliant.
Tommy Lee Jones also excels in the role of Doolittle "Mooney" Lynn. He takes the 13-year old Loretta from her family and proves to be the relentless force propelling her to stardom, while at the same time he fights his own demons. He's determined not to get stuck in the mines like Ted Webb, but learns to his surprise that Loretta is his ticket out. Despite his penchant for booze and womanizing, Loretta does not cast Doo aside when she reaches the stage at the Grnad Ole Opry. She no longer needs him, but she remains as loyal to him as she does to her humble origins.
I'm not a fan of country music in general or Loretta Lynn in particular, but this was an entertaining look at a very different world than most of us are accustomed to.